Three British athletes invited to London Marathon

Derek Rae, Rob Smith and Chris Goodwin have been invited to represent the British Athletics team at the Virgin Money London Marathon, which also incorporates the World Para Athletics Marathon Cup, on 22 April.

Rio 2016 Paralympian Rae recorded a significant personal best at the 2017 edition of the event, lowering his time to 2:33:24 to secure a bronze medal in the T56 marathon.

“London last year was very special and the reward for a lot of hard work in the build-up to the event. It was a great moment for me and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to do it in front of a home crowd,” he recalled.

“To win a bronze medal in a British vest was an honour and I’m very excited to get another opportunity on this level. I’ve been training hard in Kenya so I have my eyes on another big performance on home soil in April.”

Goodwin will make his maiden international appearance for the British team.

It had previously been announced that London Marathon has also directly invited T53/54 wheelchair athletes including multiple-Paralympic champion David Weir, who won a record seventh title at the prestigious event in the latest edition.

Alongside Weir will be Simon Lawson and JohnBoy Smith in the men’s race, while Jade Jones will take part in the women’s competition.

The full story is available on British Athletics’ website.